A UUP candidate is pledging to further help with the regeneration of the Holyland area by developing Northern Ireland’s first Community Improvement District.
The party’s South Belfast candidate, Stephen McCarthy, met with residents in the Holyland area this week to discuss the development of a group to provide a voice for the community including residents, students, landlords, businesses and universities.
It will use relevant aspects of the Business Improvement District model to bring together all those involved in life in the area.
Read more:Watchdog censures ex-councillor for not declaring property interests
Mr McCarthy is hoping to introduce legislation after the May election to help empower the community in their regeneration of the Holyland.
He said: “The Holyland is an area that is close to home. My parents lived here for years, facing regular anti-social behaviour, sleepless nights, damage to property, theft.
“It is an area with significant problems, but also an area with huge potential, and so far, despite the best efforts of a very active, tenacious community…
